Hail Damage & Insurance

Everything You Need to Know About Insurance and Your Roof

A roof claim can involve four separate subjects: the physical condition of the roof, the construction needed to repair it, the coverage provided by the insurance policy, and the money paid under that policy. Confusion begins when those subjects are treated as though they are the same.

Drennen Custom Contracting can inspect visible construction conditions, photograph damage, prepare repair or replacement estimates, explain building-code and product requirements, complete the contracted work, and discuss the construction scope with the insurer when permitted by Colorado law. Drennen is not an insurance company, insurance agent, attorney, or public insurance adjuster. We do not decide coverage, interpret policy rights for the homeowner, waive deductibles, or guarantee claim approval.

Request a Roof Inspection Call 970-482-9100

Not every storm mark is a covered loss, and not every covered loss requires a full roof replacement. Start with documentation, read the policy, and keep the contractor's construction role separate from the insurer's coverage decision.

What to Do After a Wind or Hail Storm

1
Protect people first.
Stay off wet, steep, icy, or visibly damaged roofs. Keep away from fallen power lines, unstable trees, broken glass, and sagging ceilings. Use emergency services when safety is at risk.
2
Prevent reasonable additional damage.
Move belongings away from active water, place containers beneath drips, and arrange safe temporary weather protection when needed. Do not make permanent repairs before the insurer has had a reasonable opportunity to inspect unless delay would cause further damage.
3
Photograph the date and conditions.
Take ground-level photographs of hail, debris, missing shingles, gutters, siding, windows, interior stains, and temporary protection. Preserve damaged materials when practical and safe.
4
Review the policy and declarations page.
Look for the wind-and-hail deductible, replacement-cost or actual-cash-value settlement, roof-payment schedule, cosmetic-damage limitations, matching provisions, notice requirements, and deadlines.
5
Obtain a professional roof inspection.
A contractor can document visible construction conditions and explain repairability. The contractor should not pressure the homeowner to file a claim when the observed condition does not justify one.
6
Decide whether to report the loss.
The homeowner makes the claim decision. Contact the agent or insurer promptly when damage may be significant, because policies can contain notice, proof-of-loss, repair, replacement, or lawsuit deadlines.
7
Keep a written claim file.
Save the policy, declarations, claim number, adjuster information, photographs, estimates, insurer scope, payment letters, depreciation calculations, invoices, permits, and all emails or text messages.

Who Does What?

The homeowner or policyholder

Reports the loss, protects the property, cooperates with the investigation, selects the contractor, approves the construction contract, pays the deductible and non-covered work, and satisfies policy conditions.

The insurance company and its adjuster

Investigate the claim, interpret the policy for the insurer, determine coverage, estimate covered damage, apply deductible and depreciation, issue payments, and approve or deny supplements.

The roofing contractor

Inspects construction conditions, documents damage, measures the roof, prepares a construction scope and price, explains code and installation requirements, completes contracted repairs, and invoices accurately.

A licensed public adjuster or attorney

May represent the policyholder on claim presentation, policy interpretation, valuation, or disputes within the professional's license and agreement. These services are separate from the roofing contract and may involve fees.

Colorado law prohibits a roofing contractor from claiming to be or acting as a public insurance adjuster. A roofer with a valid contract may discuss the construction scope with the insurer, but coverage and claim advocacy remain separate roles.

Replacement Cost Value and Actual Cash Value

Replacement Cost Value - RCV

Replacement cost generally refers to the amount required to repair or replace damaged property with materials of like kind and quality without deducting for depreciation, subject to the policy limit, deductible, coverage, and conditions. Many RCV policies initially pay only the actual cash value and release recoverable depreciation after qualifying work is completed and documented.

Actual Cash Value - ACV

Actual cash value generally reflects repair or replacement cost after depreciation. Depreciation may be based on age, expected life, condition, and the insurer's method. An ACV-only roof endorsement or schedule can leave the homeowner responsible for a large portion of replacement cost.

Simple example

Assume an insurer agrees that covered roof work has a replacement cost of $20,000, applies $8,000 of depreciation, and the policy has a $3,000 deductible.

Initial ACV payment

$20,000 replacement cost - $8,000 depreciation - $3,000 deductible = $9,000 initial payment

Potential recoverable depreciation

If the policy allows recovery and the homeowner completes qualifying work within the required time, the insurer may later release up to the recoverable portion of the $8,000 depreciation. The policy and actual completed cost control.

Homeowner responsibility

The homeowner remains responsible for the deductible, non-covered work, upgrades, amounts beyond policy limits, nonrecoverable depreciation, and any difference not paid by the insurer.

The example is simplified. Policies use different forms, endorsements, depreciation methods, limits, and conditions. Ask the insurer or licensed insurance professional to explain the actual settlement calculation in writing.

Flat and Percentage Deductibles

A flat deductible is a stated dollar amount, such as $2,500. A percentage deductible is calculated from a stated insured value - often Coverage A dwelling limit - not from the repair bill.

For a home with a $600,000 Coverage A limit:

1 percent deductible

$6,000 homeowner responsibility

2 percent deductible

$12,000 homeowner responsibility

5 percent deductible

$30,000 homeowner responsibility

The declarations page may show a separate wind-and-hail deductible that is higher than the deductible for other losses. Always convert the percentage into dollars before deciding whether a claim is financially practical.

Your Deductible Cannot Be Waived

Colorado law prohibits a roofing contractor from advertising or promising to pay, waive, rebate, or absorb all or part of an insurance deductible on a covered residential roofing claim. The deductible is the policyholder's responsibility.

A legitimate contractor should not:

Offer a "free roof" by hiding the deductible.
Inflate the invoice and return money to the homeowner.
Falsely report work or upgrades that were not performed.
Use a sign allowance, referral payment, coupon, or discount as a disguised deductible payment.
Ask the homeowner to conceal a discount or actual contract price from the insurer.

A contractor may offer legitimate, transparent pricing or financing, but the final invoice must accurately reflect the work and lawful discounts. Ask the insurer how a discount affects claim payment and depreciation before changing the contract.

Depreciation and the Final Invoice

Recoverable depreciation is not automatically free money. Many policies release it only after covered repairs are completed and the insurer receives acceptable documentation. The amount released may be limited by the actual completed cost.

A clean closeout package can include:

Signed contract and approved change orders.
Paid or final invoice accurately reflecting the work.
Permit and final-inspection documentation.
Photographs of concealed and completed work.
Product and impact-resistance documentation.
Mortgage-company documents when the lender is named on the payment.
A completion certificate if requested.

The homeowner should never sign a false completion document or approve an invoice for work that was not performed.

The Insurer's Scope and the Contractor's Scope

An insurer's estimate is a claim document. A contractor's estimate is a construction proposal. The line items can differ for legitimate reasons.

The insurer may initially omit or under-measure items that are not visible until tear-off, not documented during inspection, subject to policy review, or handled through a supplement. The contractor may include work that is necessary for construction but excluded by the policy, considered maintenance, treated as an upgrade, or outside the covered loss.

Common differences include:

Roof measurements and waste factors.
Starter, ridge, and accessory products.
Ice-and-water barrier and underlayment.
Wall flashing, chimney work, and kickouts.
Pipe jacks, vents, skylights, and rooftop equipment.
Decking discovered after tear-off.
Ventilation corrections and exhaust ducts.
Permit, tax, disposal, access, steep, or high charges.
Siding, gutters, fascia, soffit, paint, or interior repairs.
Code-required work and ordinance-or-law coverage.

What Is a Supplement?

A supplement is a documented request for the insurer to reconsider or add construction items after the initial estimate. It is not an automatic payment and should not be treated as permission to perform unlimited work.

A useful supplement may include:

Measurements, photographs, and the affected location.
Manufacturer installation instructions.
Current building-code or permit requirements.
A contractor estimate with quantities and unit prices.
Evidence of hidden conditions discovered during tear-off.
An explanation of why the item is related to the covered repair.

The insurer decides whether the item is covered and what amount it will pay. The homeowner remains responsible under the construction contract unless the contract states otherwise.

There Is No Universal 365-Day Roof-Claim Rule

Some policies contain one-year deadlines or other time limits for notice, proof of loss, completion, depreciation recovery, or legal action. Other policies use different periods, and Colorado law can affect certain rights. It is inaccurate to tell every homeowner that all roof claims expire after exactly 365 days.

The safer approach is:

1Report suspected significant damage promptly.
2Ask the insurer for every applicable deadline in writing.
3Read the policy and endorsements.
4Request written extensions before a deadline when circumstances justify it.
5Consult a licensed insurance professional or attorney when rights are disputed.

Colorado Residential Roofing Contract Protections

Colorado law requires a written residential roofing contract before work begins and specifies required terms. The contract includes items such as the scope, approximate service dates, approximate cost based on known damage, contractor contact information, insurance or surety information when applicable, cancellation and refund policy, and deductible-related language.

Key consumer protections include:

A rescission clause allowing the property owner to cancel and obtain a full refund of the deposit within 72 hours after entering the roofing contract, subject to the statute and work actually authorized or performed.
For qualifying insurance-funded roofing contracts, an additional right to rescind within 72 hours after written notice that the insurer denied the claim in whole or part, subject to statutory conditions and exceptions.
A prohibition against the contractor paying, waiving, or rebating the insurance deductible.
A prohibition against the roofer acting as a public insurance adjuster, while allowing construction-scope discussion when the roofer has a valid contract.

This is a general summary, not legal advice. Colorado statutes, the contract, timing, work performed, claim facts, and later amendments control. Consult a Colorado attorney for legal guidance.

Choosing a Contractor for an Insurance Project

Use a local, established company with a verifiable address and insurance.
Require a written price and complete scope - not a blank contingency agreement.
Confirm who obtains permits and closes inspections.
Ask who will supervise the work and respond after the storm season.
Verify the exact shingle, accessories, impact rating, ventilation, and warranty.
Review the deductible language and reject any offer to hide or waive it.
Understand deposits, cancellation, financing, mortgage checks, and payment schedule.
Require written change orders for work outside the original scope.
Keep the final invoice accurate and consistent with the completed project.
Do not sign over claim proceeds or grant broad authority you do not understand.

Older Roofs, Underwriting, and Certifications

Insurance companies increasingly evaluate roof age, material, condition, and expected remaining life. A carrier may:

Require photographs or an inspection.
Limit roof losses to actual cash value.
Use a roof-payment schedule.
Apply a larger wind-and-hail deductible.
Exclude cosmetic damage.
Require repair or replacement before renewal.
Decline the risk based on age or material.

A roof certification may help with some carriers, but it does not force acceptance. Before spending heavily on repairs, ask whether the insurer will accept the proposed certification, what term is required, and whether coverage will actually improve.

Class 4 Roofs and Insurance

A UL 2218 Class 4 shingle has passed the highest classification in that steel-ball impact test. Some insurers offer discounts or underwriting benefits for qualifying impact-resistant products. The benefit varies by carrier and policy.

Before selecting a Class 4 system for insurance reasons, ask:

Does this exact product qualify?
What is the annual dollar savings?
Is the roof still settled at RCV, ACV, or a schedule?
What deductible applies after the upgrade?
Is cosmetic damage excluded?
What certificate, invoice, permit, or product label must be submitted?
Will the discount remain if underwriting rules change?

Class 4 is impact-resistant, not hail-proof, and it does not remove the deductible.

What Drennen Can Do

Inspect accessible roof, attic, flashing, ventilation, and related construction conditions.
Photograph and describe visible damage.
Prepare repair and replacement estimates.
Explain roof-system, product, code, permit, and installation requirements.
Meet an insurer's adjuster when appropriate and discuss construction scope under a valid contract.
Prepare construction documentation for a supplement request.
Complete the contracted work and provide accurate final documents.
Perform eligible repairs and issue a limited roof certification when the roof qualifies.

What Drennen Cannot Do

Promise that a claim will be approved.
Decide whether damage is covered under the policy.
Interpret policy rights or provide legal advice for the homeowner.
Negotiate the claim as an unlicensed public adjuster.
Pay, waive, rebate, or conceal the deductible.
Create false invoices, photographs, measurements, or completion documents.
Guarantee that a Class 4 roof will not be damaged by hail.
Guarantee future premium, underwriting, or renewal decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Construction Facts Without Claim Pressure

Drennen's role is to explain the roof, the repair options, and the construction price. We will document what is visible, separate necessary work from optional upgrades, and help you understand the scope without pretending to control the insurance decision.

Request a Roof Inspection (970) 482-9100

This page provides general educational information and is not insurance, legal, tax, lending, or public-adjusting advice. Policy forms, endorsements, statutes, regulations, claim facts, insurer decisions, and deadlines vary. The insurance policy, written insurer communications, Colorado law, signed construction contract, and advice from licensed professionals control.

Drennen Custom Contracting | 608 East Trilby Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525 | 970-482-9100 | [email protected]